Facilities

In April of 2005, just before earning a Super Bowl XL ring as a defensive leader on the Pittsburgh Steelers' world championship team, former CSU star Joey Porter donated $200,000 to renovate the Rams' football locker room inside the Moby Arena building.

Construction began that spring and the team dedicated the state-of-the-art facility, one of the finest locker rooms in the Mountain West Conference, in Fall 2005.

The renovation included new lockers, carpeting, showers and other amenities for Head Coach Sonny Lubick's players.

"I am excited to be able to provide this gift to Colorado State football," said Porter, an All-Pro linebacker. "My time at CSU was very special as a football player and a student-athlete. Coach Lubick provided me with an opportunity to pursue my dream of playing in college and the NFL. I am grateful for having had that opportunity, and this was a way for me and my family to invest in the future of the Rams."

Lubick, always humble and appreciative of such an investment, was grateful that Porter thought of his former program.

"This is a very exciting day for our entire football program and our athletic department," Lubick said when the school announced Porter's donation. "I cannot thank Joey and his family enough for contributing back to our program. During his career at CSU, Joey was always a player who worked very hard in practice and in games, and it paid off with how successful a career he has had.

"It means a great deal to our coaches and our student-athletes to have Joey Porter step forward and provide this gift. It provides a resource to our program that will help us in continuing the success we've had at CSU. I could not be happier nor could I be more proud of Joey and his achievements."

CSU's President, Dr. Larry Penley, said the donation was unique in the world of intercollegiate athletics.

"This gift is a great testament to our athletics program and its lasting, positive impact on the lives of our student athletes," Penley said. "Our coaches and staff are dedicated to the success of their students, not just on the playing field, but in the classroom and in life. Joey Porter's achievements and generosity are an outstanding example, and we're very grateful for this gift."

Marc Driscoll, then the Director of Athletics, echoed Penley's sentiments.

"During his career at CSU, Joey was always a leader on the field," said Driscoll. "Today's announcement symbolizes Joey's willingness to step forward and lead the way for other former student-athletes who valued their experience at CSU to give back to the program."

Porter completed his sixth season with the Steelers in 2005, after having been selected in the third round (73rd overall) by Pittsburgh in 1999. In 2004, en route to being selected to the Pro Bowl, Porter amassed 70 total tackles, including 53 unassisted stops, intercepted one pass, and led the team with seven quarterback sacks. He signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins prior to the 2007 season.

Lubick lured Porter to Colorado State in 1995 after the player had a standout prep career in Bakersfield, Calif. He formerly played wide receiver, H-Back and running back, and was later moved to defensive end, where he earned national acclaim for his play.

In just two seasons at end for the Rams, Porter notched 22 quarterback sacks, the fourth-highest career total in school history. In 1998, Porter tied the single-season school record with 15 sacks held by Brady Smith, who also went on to enjoy a long NFL career.

Porter was named first-team all-conference as a senior in 1998, and played in the East-West Shrine and the Senior Bowl all-star games following his senior season. He was a second-team all-conference selection as a junior in 1997, when he played a critical role in the Rams' 11-2 season that included a conference championship and win over Missouri in the Holiday Bowl. The Rams concluded the season ranked 13th nationally, the highest end-of-season ranking in school history.